Stories by Tess Brunton

Kaikōura District Mayor is skeptical whether a national tourism levy will make a difference for regional communities.

Airbnb has backed calls for a bed tax in Queenstown, saying it could help ease the cost of tourism on ratepayers.

Spring snowfall, cold temperatures and local demand has proved a boon for some South Island skifields.

A proposed tripling of Stewart Island's visitor levy is expected to provoke heated debate when it goes to public consultation next month.

Plans to triple the Stewart Island visitor levy are proving unpopular with local residents.

The electricity market regulator says it's sceptical about claims energy generators pocketed an extra $5.5 billion over seven years.

The Department of Conservation's proposal to allow dogs into Westland Tai Poutini National Park has triggered an uproar from environmentalists.

A Dunedin woman who wants to escape her mouldy, cold and rotting home says she faced spending nights in the car with her son as there was nowhere else to go.

Visitors from around the world are drawn to Wanaka's stunning natural beauty, but they should know that it comes at a price.

Staff shortages are pushing businesses to recruit early to avoid being caught out ahead of an anticipated booming summer season.

A 65-year-old caretaker of a rural water supply is taking his first holiday in six years after the completion of a new pipeline.

Students at one Otago high school are going without their mobile phones in the classroom, and for one lunchtime a week, without wifi, as their school goes through a digital detox. Video

Queenstown housing developments and first-home buyers look set to benefit from two government announcements made today.

Tawaki - or Fiordland crested penguins - can cover up to 7000 kilometres in eight weeks while they fatten up for moulting season, new research has uncovered.

Only a decade ago, Cardrona village looked destined for a quiet future in its picturesque valley.

New Zealand's Winter Games - billed as one of the world's top five winter sports competitions - officially opens in Wanaka tonight.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa has re-launched its 'one-stop-shop' freedom camping website in a bid to encourage responsible camping.

Forest and Bird have welcomed applications for small tour groups to view marine mammals around the Otago Harbour and peninsula.

The Government has announced an $8.5 million fund to better manage freedom camping.

The Lumsden Rural Women's network is calling for the decision to shut its local birthing centre to be reversed. Video

Ōamaru Airport's new international aviation academy has received its first trainee pilot.

A fatal yacht accident that killed two crew members has prompted safety changes for boats in New Zealand waters.

A Dunedin sexual abuse survivor is fighting to change an Australian law preventing foreigners from seeking compensation.

Business is booming for the New Zealand tourism industry, with the number of international visitors climbing by more than 40 percent in the past decade.